Collapsible structures having overlapping support loops

ABSTRACT

Collapsible structures are provided having at least two panels, with each of the panels having a flexible loop member defining a closed loop and adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position, and a fabric for partially covering the loop member. The loop members of two adjacent first and second panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along first edges of the loop members, and at a second overlapping point along second edges of the loop members, with the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion about which the two loop members of the first and second panels are pivotable.

RELATED CASES

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending Ser. No. 09/183,528,entitled “Collapsible Structures Having Overlapping Support Loops”,filed Oct. 30, 1998, which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending Ser.No. 09/056,729, entitled “Collapsible Structures Having OverlappingSupport Loops”, filed Apr. 7, 1998, which is a continuation-in-part ofco-pending Ser. No. 09/004,829, entitled “Collapsible Structures HavingOverlapping Support Loops”, filed Jan. 9, 1998, which is, in turn acontinuation-in-part of co-pending Ser. No. 08/717,408, entitled“Collapsible Sunshields, Partitions and Shade Structures HavingOverlapping Support Loops”, filed Sep. 20, 1996, whose disclosures areincorporated by this reference as though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to sunshields, partitions andstructures, and in particular, to collapsible sunshields, partitions,shade structures and other structures supported by resilient loopmembers maintained in overlapping relationship with each other. Thesesunshields, partitions, and structures may be twisted and folded toreduce the overall size of the sunshield, partition or structure.

[0004] 2. Background Art

[0005] A number of prior art sunshields are well-known for use, forexample, in shielding the interior of an automobile from unwanted heatand sunlight. These sunshields may be positioned against an interiorwindow surface, but are typically positioned against the windshieldbecause of the difficulty of retaining these sunshields against theother window surfaces. Examples of these sunshields are illustrated inU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,815,784 to Zheng, 5,024,262 to Huang, and 5,452,934 toZheng. In each of these sunshields, one or more resilient loop membersare used to support the sunshield in an expanded configuration. Thesesunshields may be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of thesunshield.

[0006] A number of prior art shade or tent structures have also beenprovided for a wide variety of uses, such as for camping, for shade, orfor play by children. Examples of these shade structures are illustratedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,990,463 to Norman, 4,825,892 to Norman, 5,038,812 toNorman, and 5,467,794 and 5,560,385 both to the present inventor. Eachof these shade structures also use one or more resilient loop members tosupport the structure in an expanded configuration. These is shadestructures may be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of theshade structure.

[0007] In addition to sunshields and shade structures, there are alsoother structures that are provided for amusement purposes. Examples ofsuch structures are illustrated in the present inventor's U.S. Pat. No.5,722,446. Each of these structures also use one or more resilient loopmembers to support the structure in an expanded configuration. Thesestructures may also be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size ofthe structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides basic principles which areeffective in constructing a wide variety of collapsible structures, suchas but not limited to sunshields, partitions, shade structures,amusement structures, container structures and other structures that canbe twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the structure forconvenient transportation and storage. These collapsible structures havesimple constructions, are easy to use, and provide the user with muchvariety in use and play. In addition, these collapsible structures allowfor the stability and support of the structure and portions thereof tobe varied and adjusted to accomodate different shapes and sizes for thestructure, and to accomodate use in different applications. It is alsopossible to combine a plurality of the structures to provide structureshaving different sizes and configurations, thereby increasing thevariety of use and play.

[0009] The collapsible structures according to the present inventionhave at least two panels, each of the panels having a flexible loopmember defining a closed loop and adapted to assume an expanded positionand a collapsed position, and a fabric for partially covering the loopmember. The loop members of two adjacent first and second panels overlapeach other at a first overlapping point along first edges of the loopmembers, and at a second overlapping point along second edges of theloop members, with the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portionabout which the two loop members of the first and second panels arepivotable.

[0010] The panels are foldable on top of each other about theirrespective hinge portions to have the loop members overlaying eachother, and the overlaying loop members are then collapsible to thecollapsed positions by twisting and folding to form a plurality ofconcentric rings to substantially reduce the size of the structure inthe collapsed position.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom edges ofthe panels are adapted to contact a support surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a sunshield according to anembodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration;

[0013]FIG. 1B is a top plan view of the sunshield of FIG. 1A;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a perspective cut-away sectional view of the sunshieldof FIG. 1A taken along section 2--2 thereof;

[0015]FIG. 2A is perspective exploded view illustrating one embodimentof how the fabric pieces are deployed in the resilient loop members ofFIG. 1A;

[0016]FIG. 2B a perspective cut-away sectional view of the loop memberand fabric of FIG. 2A taken along section B--B thereof;

[0017]FIG. 2C is perspective exploded view illustrating anotherembodiment of how the fabric pieces are deployed in the resilient loopmembers of FIG. 1A;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the resilient loop members thatcan be used to support the sunshield of FIG. 1A;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the sunshield of FIG. 1Apositioned behind an automobile windshield;

[0020]FIGS. 5A through 5E illustrate how the sunshield of FIG. 1A may betwisted and folded for compact storage;

[0021]FIG. 5F illustrates the resilient loop members of FIG. 3 in afolded position illustrating how the loop members are folded to providefor two sets of three loop portions to thereby substantially reduce thesize thereof;

[0022]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a structure according to anotherembodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration;

[0023]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a structure according to yetanother embodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration;

[0024]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a structure according to a furtherembodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration;

[0025] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate how the different panels of the structureof FIG. 8 may be folded upon each other prior to twisting and foldingfor compact storage;

[0026]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a structure according to yet afurther embodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration;

[0027]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a structure according to anotherembodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration, which represents a modification to the structure of FIG.8;

[0028]FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a structure according to anotherembodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration, which represents a modification to the structure of FIG.11;

[0029]FIG. 11B illustrates the section of the structure of FIG. 11A atthe overlapping points and the stitch line;

[0030]FIG. 11C illustrates an alternative embodiment of the section ofthe structure of FIG. 11A at the overlapping points and the stitch line;

[0031]FIG. 11D illustrates a canopy deployed with the structure of FIG.11A;

[0032]FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a structure according to anotherembodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration;

[0033] FIGS. 12B-12D illustrate how the different panels of thestructure of FIG. 12A may be folded upon each other prior to twistingand folding for compact storage;

[0034]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a structure according to anotherembodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration, which represents a modification to the structure of FIG.12A;

[0035]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a structure according to anotherembodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration;

[0036]FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a structure according to anotherembodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration, which represents a modification to the structure of FIG.14;

[0037]FIG. 14B is a perspective view of a structure according to anotherembodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration, which represents a modification to the structure of FIG.14A;

[0038]FIG. 14C is a perspective view of a structure according to anotherembodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration, which represents a modification to the structure of FIG.14B;

[0039]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a structure according to afurther embodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration;

[0040]FIGS. 16A and 16B are cross-sectional views of two preferredconnections between two adjacent panels of the structure of FIG. 12Ataken along line 16--16 thereof;

[0041]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a structure according to anotherembodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration;

[0042]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a structure according to anotherembodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration;

[0043]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a structure according to anotherembodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration;

[0044]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a structure according to anotherembodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration;

[0045]FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the structure of FIG. 20;

[0046]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a structure according to anotherembodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration;

[0047]FIG. 23A is a perspective view of a structure according to anotherembodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration;

[0048] FIGS. 23B-23C illustrate how the different panels of thestructure of FIG. 23A can be may be folded upon each other prior totwisting and folding for compact storage; and

[0049]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a structure according to yetanother embodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expandedconfiguration.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0050] The following detailed description is of the best presentlycontemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description isnot to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purposeof illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention. Thescope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0051] The principles of the present invention are applicable tosunshields, partition structures and other structures, including shadestructures, container structures, and amusement structures, and shall bedescribed herein in connection with such structures. However, it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the principles of thepresent invention are not so limited and can be applied to otherstructures for many different uses.

[0052] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a structure 20 according to one embodimentof the present invention, which may be used as a sunshield. Thesunshield 20 is formed by two resilient loop members 22 and 24 thattogether define the outer boundary of the sunshield 20. Referring toFIG. 3, each loop member 22 and 24 is provided as a closed resilientloop, either as a closed continuous loop or as a strip of material withboth ends held together by a retaining connector or other conventionalattachment mechanism to form a closed loop. The resilient loop members22 and 24 are preferably made from a relatively strong springy materialwhich is flexible enough to allow it to be coiled. The preferredmaterial for the loop members 22 and 24 includes flat spring steelstock, and in particular, stainless steel, although plastic may also beused. Each closed loop member 22 and 24 is preferably substantiallyequal in size and symmetrically disposed, but it will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that the resilient loop members 22 and 24 mayassume any variety of shapes and sizes, including but not limited tocircular or oval. Both resilient loop members 22 and 24 can even beprovided in different sizes.

[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the two loop members 22 and 24 arefitted within each other, and overlap or cross-over each other atoverlapping points 26 and 28. The overlapping point 26 is defined by theintersection or crossing of the upper edges 30 and 34 of loop members 22and 24, respectively, and the overlapping point 28 is defined by theintersection or crossing of the lower edges 32 and 36 of loop members 22and 24, respectively. The overlapping points 26 and 28 can be positionedanywhere along the upper edge 30 or lower edge 32 of the loop member 22,and anywhere along the upper edge 34 or lower edge 36 of the loop member24. FIG. 1A illustrates the overlapping points 26 and 28 provided nearthe adjacent side edges of the two loop members 22 and 24. The twooverlapping loop members 22 and 24 are pivotable about their overlappingpoints 26 and 28 between two positions, a first completely open position(see FIG. 1E) in which both loop members 22 and 24 lie flat in the sameplane and extend to the widest longitudinal length of the sunshield 22,and a second folded position in which the loop members 22 and 24 arefolded towards each other (such as in the direction of arrows 70 a and70 b in FIG. 1) to overlie each other. The sunshield 20 is normallydeployed at the windshield of an automobile when in the first completelyopen position, and the sunshield 20 is deployed to the second foldedposition as a first step towards folding and collapsing the sunshield 20into a smaller size, as described in greater detail hereinbelow.

[0054] Each loop member 22 and 24 is retained in a loop retainingportion of one or more fabric pieces. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A,two fabric pieces 40 and 42 are provided, one for each loop member 22and 24, respectively. Each fabric piece 40 and 42 completely covers, andforms a panel 52 or 54 within, the respective loop member 22 or 24, andis preferably held in tension with the loop member 22 or 24. One side ofeach fabric 40, 42 may used as the window-facing side of the sunshield.

[0055] The fabric pieces 40 and 42 are preferably made from a sheetmaterial which is effective in reflecting and blocking light and heatfrom entering the interior of the automobile, and may be made from sheetfabric, woven fabric, PVC, metal foil, and even films. A layer ofmetallized fabric or other reflective material may be added to thewindow-facing sides of the fabric 40, 42 to further aid in reflectingand blocking light and heat. A less expensive, though less effective,alternative is to choose a white fabric as the reflective surface. Inaddition, the window-facing sides may be provided with a different colorso that the user can easily recognize it.

[0056] The loop retaining portions are preferably provided in the formof a sleeve for retaining the loop members 22 and 24. The loop members22 and 24 may be retained at the loop retaining portions by a number ofdifferent methods. In a first preferred method, which is illustrated inFIGS. 1-3, a sleeve 44 may be formed by folding a peripheral edge of thefabric 40 or 42 over the loop member 22 or 24 and then applying astitching (such as designated by numeral 46), or by providing aseparately-formed tubular sleeve that is stitched along the same stitchline 46 to the fabric 40, 42. Under this first method, the loop members22 and 24 may be left free and unsecured within the sleeves 44. In asecond preferred method, the loop members 22 and 24 may be mechanicallyfastened, glued or fused to the sleeve 44 or the fabric 40, 42. Otherconventional methods may be used without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention.

[0057] The loop members 22 and 24 should not be connected or attached atthe overlapping points 26 and 28 so as to allow the loop members 22 and24 to pivot about these points. The structure of the sleeve 44 at theoverlapping points 26 and 28 can be provided in one of several ways. Ina first alternative illustrated in an exaggerated sense in FIG. 3, asmall portion of the sleeves 44 for both loop members 22 and 24 may beinterrupted or disconnected adjacent the overlapping points 26 and 28 soas to expose the loop members 22 and 24 at these overlapping points 26and 28. As a second alternative, the sleeves 44 for both panels 52 and54 can be connected to each other to form a “+” or cross-shaped sleeveportion at the overlapping points 26 and 28 (see FIG. 2). As a thirdexample, the respective sleeves 44 for both panels 52 and 54 can rununinterrupted throughout the closed loop of the loop members 22 and 24.Thus, the loop members 22 and 24 pivot about the overlapping points 26and 28 in the two directions illustrated by arrow 48 in FIG. 2, with theoverlapping points 26 and 28 together acting as a hinge mechanism whenthe loop members 22 and 24 are pivoted about these points 26 and 28 atthe same time. To better define the overall hinge mechanism created bythe overlapping portions 26 and 28, this hinge mechanism may optionallyinclude a stitch line 50 along which the two fabric pieces 40 and 42 arestitched together. The stitch line 50 extends from one overlapping point26 to the other overlapping point 28, and assists in maintaining theloop members 22 and 24 at about the same overlapping points 26 and 28even though the loop members 22 and 24 are not connected or attached toeach other. Thus, the two side panels 52 and 54 defined by the loopmembers 22 and 24, respectively, may also be hinged and pivoted aboutthe stitch or pivot line 50.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 2A, the first fabric piece 40 can beprovided in the form of a single piece of fabric that spans the spacebetween the loop member 22. The second fabric piece 42 can be providedin the form of two separate portions of fabric, 42 a and 42 b. Eachseparate portion 42 a, 42 b has an inner edge 43 a, 43 b, respectively,that does not have, or is not attached to, a sleeve 44, but is insteadstitched or otherwise attached to the first fabric 40 to form the stitchline 50. This is illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 2B, where a smallstrip 45 of the inner edge 43 b is folded and stitched to the firstfabric 40. It should be noted that although FIGS. 2A and 2B appear toshow that the loop member 24 has been separated, this is not true sincethe loop member 24 is illustrated in this manner because of the explodednature of these illustrations. Only the fabric portions 42 a and 42 bare separated, and as shown in greater detail in FIG. 2B, the loopmember 24 extends over the overlapping points 26 and 28.

[0059]FIG. 2C illustrates another technique of attaching the fabricpieces 40, 42 to the loop members 22, 24. In this embodiment, only twofabric pieces 40 x, 42 x are provided, and each is adapted to spanacross and cover portions of both loop members 22, 24 (the loop members22, 24 are not shown in FIG. 2C). Specifically, the first fabric piece40 x has a first portion 41 a that covers or spans the majority of thefirst loop member 22 and is folded along a fold line 49 a to form asecond portion 47 a that covers or spans a small portion of the secondloop member 24. Similarly, the second fabric piece 42 x has a firstportion 41 b that covers or spans the majority of the second loop member24 and is folded along a fold line 49 b to form a second portion 47 bthat covers or spans a small portion of the first loop member 22. Thefold lines 49 a, 49 b can be stitched together to form the stitch line50.

[0060] It will also be appreciated that the loop retaining portion orsleeve 44 can be provided either at the periphery of the fabric 40 and42, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, or at a portion of the fabric 40 and 42interior from the periphery. The only requirement is that the loopmembers 22 and 24 be positioned so that they can sufficiently supportthe sunshield 20 to effectively cover the automobile window orsunshield.

[0061] It will be appreciated that suction cups 56 can be optionallypositioned anywhere on the window-facing sides of the fabric 40 and 42.Further, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that otherconventional attachment devices, such as snaps or VELCRO™, may be usedin place of the suction cups 56 without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention.

[0062]FIG. 4 illustrates the sunshield 20 in position against awindshield 58. Although the operation of the sunshield 20 is shown inconnection with a windshield, it is understood that the sunshield 20 canalso be used effectively in the same manner with side and rear windows.The windshield 58 is held in position by a frame 60 and the sunshield 20is positioned between a dashboard 62 and a ceiling 64 of the automobile.Visors 66 and the rear view mirror 68 may be used to provide support forthe sunshield 20 against the windshield 58, although it is understoodthat the visors 66 are not necessary if the suction cups 56 are used. Inmost cases, suction cups 56 alone are sufficient for retaining thesunshield 20 against the windshield 58 or any side window or rear windowwhere there are no overhanging visors. However, when used to cover awindshield 58, the visors 66 may also be flipped down to assist inretaining the sunshield 20 against the windshield 58. When the sunshield20 is to be stored, the sunshield 20 can be easily removed from thewindshield 58 by pulling the suction cups 56 from the windshield 58.These suction cups 56 can also be removably attached to the fabricpieces 40 and 42 so that worn-out or defective suction cups 56 can bereplaced after a period of use.

[0063] The shape of the loop members 22 and 24, and of the resultingsunshield 20, is not important as long as they are sized and shaped sothat they sufficiently support the sunshield 20 to effectively cover theentire windshield 58. Any shape may be used, and a few examples areillustrated in my previous U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,784 to Zheng, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by this reference as though fullyset forth herein. For example, the loop members 22 and 24 may becircular, oval, truncated circular, truncated oval, substantiallyrectangular, or any other variety of shapes. FIGS. 5(A) through 5(E)describe the various steps for folding and collapsing the structure 20of FIG. 1 for storage. The first step consists of folding the two loopmembers 22 and 24 toward each other (as shown by arrows 70 a and 70 b inFIG. 1) about the hinge mechanism of the overlapping points 26 and 28,and the optional stitch line 50. When the two loop members 22 and 24 arefolded together, the second step, shown in FIG. 5A, is to twist and foldthe combined structure to initially collapse the loop members and fabricinto a smaller diameter. As shown in FIG. 5B, the third step is to foldin the opposite side of the combined structure upon the previous fold tofurther collapse the combined loop members. As shown in FIG. 5C, thefourth step is to continue the collapsing so that the size of thestructure is a fraction of the diameter of the initial structure. FIG.5D shows the fifth step with the loop members 22, 24 and fabric panels52, 54 collapsed on each other to provide for a small essentiallycompact configuration having a plurality of concentric closed loop ringsand layers of fabric so that the collapsed structure has a size which isa fraction of the original size of the structure.

[0064] In addition, referring to FIGS. 1 and 5E, a retaining member 72may be attached to one end of the sunshield 20, and may be used to tieor hold the collapsed sunshield 20 in the collapsed position.Alternatively, a bag (not shown) may be used to store the collapsedsunshield 20.

[0065]FIG. 5F illustrates loop members 22 and 24 in the collapsedposition. The structure of each loop member 22 and 24 essentiallyconsists of two sets of three loop rings intertwined to lie flat. In thecollapsed position, the structure would have a diameter of less thantwelve inches, which makes it easy to store the sunshield inside anautomobile.

[0066] Although the structure 20 is illustrated as being a sunshield 20,the same structure can be provided in larger sizes and used as apartition or for other uses. For example, the structure 20, as shown inFIG. 1 with the lower edges 32 and 36 of the loop members 22 and 24,respectively, resting on a flat surface, such as the ground, can be usedas a partition. The panels 52 and 54 would act as the walls of thepartition, with the interconnecting hinge mechanism acting as apivotable corner of the partition. This interconnecting hinge mechanismwould be disposed substantially vertically, or perpendicular to theground. When used as a partition, the size and configuration of the loopmembers 22 and 24, and therefore the panels 52 and 54, respectively, arenot limited to the size and shape of a windshield and can therefore bevaried. In addition, the overlapping points 26 and 28 can be positionedalong different parts of the upper and lower edges 30, 32, 34 and 36 ofthe loop members 22 and 24. These variations and modifications can bemade to suit the user's needs. As a non-limiting example, asubstantially “+” or cross-shaped partition can be defined bypositioning the overlapping points 26 and 28 at substantially thecenters of the upper and lower edges 30, 32, 34 and 36 of the loopmembers 22 and 24, or at points between the center and the side edges ofthe upper and lower edges 30, 32, 34 and 36, as shown in FIG. 3. Thiswill provide a partition which defines four separate non-enclosedspaces. In addition, the angle A (see FIG. 2) between the panels 52 and54 can be varied between 1 degree and 180 degrees to vary theconfiguration of the partition and the size of the space defined betweenthe panels 52 and 54. Other alternatives can be provided andmodifications made without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

[0067] Partitions and sunshields having more than two loop members andpanels can also be provided according to the present invention.Referring to another embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIG. 6, a partition or sunshield 100 has three separate panels 102, 104and 106, each defined by a loop member (not shown) and having the sameconstruction as panels 52 and 54 and loop members 22 and 24 describedabove. Panels 102 and 104 are interconnected at the overlapping points108, 110 and stitch line 112 by overlapping their respective loopmembers in the manner described above. Similarly, panels 104 and 106 areinterconnected at the overlapping points 114, 116 and stitch line 118 byoverlapping their respective loop members, also in the manner describedabove.

[0068]FIG. 6 shows the structure 100 in use as a partition, with thelower edges 124, 126 and 128 of the panels 102, 104 and 106,respectively, resting on the ground, and the interconnecting hingemechanisms (i.e., the optional stitch line 112 and the overlappingpoints 108 and 110, and the optional stitch line 118 and the overlappingpoints 114 and 116) disposed vertically. The angle B between the panels102 and 104, and the angle C between the panels 104 and 106, can bevaried by pivoting the interconnecting hinge mechanisms. When thestructure 100 is to be used as a sunshield, the panels 106 and 102 arefolded in the directions indicated by arrows 120 and 122, respectively,so that the three panels 102, 104 and 106 lie flat in the same plane. Tofold and collapse the three panels 102, 104 and 106, the panels 106 and102 are folded toward the panel 104 in the directions indicated byarrows 130 and 132, respectively, so that the three panels 102, 104 and106 overlie each other to form one stack of panels. The folding andcollapsing steps illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E can be used to fold andcollapse the structure 100 into a size which is a fraction of theoriginal size of the structure.

[0069]FIG. 7 is a modification 100 a of the partition or sunshield 100of FIG. 6. The structure 100 a is essentially the same as the structure100, except that the panels 102 a and 104 a are interconnected atoverlapping points 108 a, 110 a and stitch line 112 a which are at adifferent position along the edge 124 a of panel 102 a. FIG. 7 shows thestructure 100 a in use as a partition, with the lower edges 124 a, 126 aand 128 a of the panels 102 a, 104 a and 106 a, respectively, resting onthe ground, and the interconnecting hinge mechanisms disposedvertically. When the structure 100 a is to be used as a sunshield, thepanels 106 a and 102 a are folded in the directions indicated by arrows120 a and 122 a, respectively, so that the three panels 102 a, 104 a and106 a lie flat in the same plane. To fold and collapse the three panels102 a, 104 a and 106 a, the panels 106 a and 102 a are folded toward thepanel 104 a in the directions indicated by arrows 130 a and 132 a,respectively, so that the three panels 102 a, 104 a and 106 a overlieeach other to form one stack of panels. The folding and collapsing stepsillustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E can be used to fold and collapse thestructure 100 a into a size which is a fraction of the original size ofthe structure.

[0070] It is noted that the structures 20, 100 and 100 a in FIGS. 1, 6and 7, respectively, can be used as mats or panels that are laid flat onthe ground. For example, the loops 22, 24 and their respective fabrics40, 42 of the structure 20 can be opened until both the loops 22, 24 aregenerally parallel to each other, and then placed flat on a surface tooperate as a mat, carpet, or similar object. As another example, oneloop 22 and its fabric 40 can be placed flat on the ground and the otherloop 24 and its fabric 42 supported at an angle to operate as aninclined back rest. These same principles can be applied to thestructures 100, 100 a.

[0071]FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment in which a structure 140 hasfour separate panels 142, 144, 146 and 148, each defined by a loopmember (not shown) and having the same construction as panels 52 and 54and loop members 22 and 24 described above. Panels 142 and 144 areinterconnected at the overlapping points 150, 152 and stitch line 154 byoverlapping their respective loop members in the manner described above.Similarly, panels 144 and 146 are interconnected at the overlappingpoints 156, 158 and stitch line 160, panels 146 and 148 areinterconnected at the overlapping point 162 and stitch line 166, andpanels 142 and 148 are interconnected at the overlapping points 168, 170and stitch line 172. FIG. 8 shows the structure 140 in use as apartition, with the lower edges 174, 176, 178 and 180 of the panels 142,144, 146 and 148, respectively, resting on the ground, and the fourinterconnecting hinge mechanisms disposed vertically. The angles betweenadjacent panels of the partition 140 can be varied by pivoting theinterconnecting hinge mechanisms. Openings 196 can be provided in one ormore of the panels 142, 144, 146, 148 to provide ingress and egress.

[0072] To fold and collapse the four panels 142, 144, 146 and 148,panels 142 and 144 are pushed against panels 148 and 146, respectively,in the direction of arrow 182 shown in FIG. 9A so that the four panels142, 144, 146 and 148 take the configuration shown in FIG. 9B, withpanels 142 and 148 overlying each other and panels 144 and 146 overlyingeach other. During this first pushing step, the respectiveinterconnecting hinge mechanisms (which include the optional hingestitches 154, 160, 166 and 172 and their respective overlapping points)are pivoted. One pair of overlaying panels 142, 148 or 144, 146 is thenfolded over the interconnecting hinge mechanisms defined in part byhinge stitches 154 and 166 in the direction of arrow 184 in FIG. 9B, sothat the four panels 142, 144, 146 and 148 overlie each other to formone stack of panels as shown in FIG. 9C. The folding and collapsingsteps illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E can be used to fold and collapse thestructure 140 into a size which is a fraction of the original size ofthe structure.

[0073] The partition 140 can also be provided with a roof 198 (shown inFIG. 11) so that it can be used as a collapsible shade structure or tent202. For example, a fabric panel can be stitched or otherwise connectedby known methods to the upper edges 188 a, 190 a, 192 a and 194 a of thepanels 142 a, 144 a, 146 a and 148 a, respectively, so that the fourpanels 142 a, 144 a, 146 a and 148 a and the fabric roof 198 define anenclosed interior space. Openings 196 a can be provided in one or moreof the panels 142 a, 144 a, 146 a and 148 a to provide ingress andegress. In addition, another fabric or other material can be stitched orotherwise connected by known methods to the lower edges 174 a, 176 a,178 a and 180 a of the panels 142 a, 144 a, 146 a and 148 a,respectively, to define a floor 200 a for the shade structure. The shadestructure 202 is folded and collapsed in the same manner described abovefor partition 140. Even though the structures 140 and 202 are shown ashaving four panels, it is possible to provide the structures 140 or 202(used as a partition, shade structure, or other use) with three panelsinterconnected to each other according to the principles of the presentinvention.

[0074] FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate additional modifications and benefits ofthe structures according to the present invention. FIG. 11A illustratesa structure 202 b that is similar to the structure 202 of FIG. 11,except that the panels 142 a, 144 a, 146 a and 148 a are shapeddifferently from panels 142 b, 144 b, 146 b and 148 b in FIG. 11A. Theelements of the structure 202 that are the same as the elements of thestructure 202 b are provided with the same numeral designations exceptthat a “b” has been added to the numeral designations in FIGS. 11A-11D.Each of the panels 142 b, 144 b, 146 b and 148 b has a curved outerconfiguration and overlap adjacent panels at opposing ends. The curvednature of the sides of these panels 142 b, 144 b, 146 b and 148 b allowsthe overlapping points (such as 150 b and 152 b shown in FIGS. 11B and11C) to be configured slightly differently from the overlappingconfigurations illustrated hereinabove.

[0075]FIG. 11B illustrates the section of structure 202 b at theoverlapping points 150 b, 152 b and the stitch line 154 b. Loop member143 is the loop member that supports panel 142 b, and loop member 145 isthe loop member that supports panel 144 b. The curved nature of thesides of these panels 142 b, 144 b, 146 b and 148 b also allows theoverlapping loop members (such as 143 and 145) to cross or overlap eachother more naturally at the overlapping points (such as 150 b and 152b). Fabric portions 147 and 149 for panels 142 b and 144 b,respectively, are still defined between the sides of the panels 142 b,144 b and the stitch line 154 b.

[0076] The configuration illustrated in FIG. 11B can be modified to theconfiguration shown in FIG. 11C. In FIG. 11C, the fabric portions 147,149 are omitted so that the sleeves 151 and 153 of the panels 142 b and144 b, respectively, can be stitched together by the stitch line 154 b.

[0077] As explained throughout the disclosure, the overlapping orcrossing of a pair of loop members provides added stability andstructural support to the structure at the overlapping points. Theconfigurations illustrated in FIGS. 11B and 11C allow the degree andnature of the stability and support to be varied and adjusted. Inaddition, the distance or degree to which the fabric portions 147, 149extend from the stitch line 154 b can be varied for many differentpurposes. For example, if the overlapping points of the structure 202 bis used to provide external support for a canopy or roof 155, as shownin FIG. 11D, then the fabric portions 147, 149 can be made to extend agreater distance from the stitch line 154 b to provide a larger shadedarea under the canopy 155 outside of the structure 202 b. The canopy 155can be a piece of fabric or other material having water-proof and/orheat-repelling properties.

[0078] The structure 202 b can be folded and collapsed, as well asre-deployed to the fully expanded configuration, according to the samemethods utilized for the structure 140 described above in FIGS. 9A-9C.

[0079] In addition, it is possible to combine a plurality of thestructures to provide structures with different sizes andconfigurations, thereby increasing the variety of use and play. As anon-limiting example, FIG. 10 illustrates a structure 210 that is madeup of two separate substantially “+” or cross-shaped structures 212 and214 connected to each other along adjacent side edges 216 and 220 ofpanels 226 and 224, respectively, and adjacent side edges 218 and 222 ofpanels 230 and 228, respectively. The connection along the side edgesmay be made permanent by applying stitching, or may be made detachableby using conventional detachable attachment devices, such as snaps,hooks or VELCRO™. Each structure 212 and 214 has two separate panels224, 228 and 226, 230 respectively, each connected by oneinterconnecting hinge mechanism which includes the overlapping points232, 234, 238 and 240 and the optional hinge stitches 236 and 242,according to the principles described hereinabove. The overall structure210 may be a partition structure having one enclosed space and aplurality of other non-enclosed spaces. Alternatively, fabric roofs maybe stitched or otherwise connected to all portions, or certain specificportions, of the structures 212 and 214 to provide either a full or apartial shade structure.

[0080] The principles of the present invention can also be used toextend the length of a panel for a larger structure. For example, theindividual module shown and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,385 canbe elongated by providing one of the side panels with a pair ofoverlapping panels according to the present invention. Referring to FIG.12A, a structure 300 has a first end panel 302 and a second end panel304 opposite to the first end panel 302. The structure further includesfirst and second left panels 306 and 308, and first and second rightpanels 310 and 312.

[0081] The first end panel 302 has a left side 314, a bottom side 316, aright side 318 and a top side 320. The second end panel 304 has a leftside 322, a bottom side 324 (not shown), a right side 326 and a top side328. The first left panel 306 has a left side 330, a bottom side 332, aright side 334 and a top side 336. The second left panel 308 has a leftside 338, a bottom side 340, a right side 342 and a top side 344. Thefirst right panel 310 has a left side 346, a bottom side 348 (notshown), a right side 350 and a top side 352. The second right panel 312has a left side 354, a bottom side 356 (not shown), a right side 358 anda top side 360.

[0082] Each end panel 302 and 304 has a continuous loop retaining sleeve380 provided along and traversing the four edges of its four sides. SeeFIG. 16A. A continuous loop member 382, which can be the same as theloop member 22 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3, is retainedor held within each retaining sleeve 380 to support each end panel 302and 304. Fabric or sheet material extends across each end panel 302, 304and is held taut by the respective loop member 382 when in its open orexpanded position. The loop members 382 may be merely retained withinthe respective retaining sleeves 380 without being connected thereto.Alternatively, the retaining sleeves 380 may be mechanically fastened,stitched, fused, or glued to the loop members 382 to retain them inposition.

[0083] Each pair of the left panels 306 and 308, and the right panels310 and 312, is connected in the same overlapping manner as the pair ofpanels 52 and 54 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3.Specifically, the left panels 306 and 308 are overlapped adjacent theleft side 330 of the first left panel 306 and the right side 342 of thesecond left panel 308 along stitch or pivot line 370, and the rightpanels 310 and 312 are overlapped adjacent the left side 354 of thesecond right panel 312 and the right side 350 of the first right panel310 along stitch or pivot line 372. In addition, the left side 314 ofthe first end panel 302 is hingedly connected to the right side 334 ofthe first left panel 306, and the right side 318 of the first end panel302 is hingedly connected to the left side 346 of the first right panel310. Similarly, the left side 322 of the second end panel 304 ishingedly connected to the right side 358 of the second right panel 312,and the right side 326 of the second end panel 304 is hingedly connectedto the left side 338 of the second left panel 308.

[0084]FIG. 16A illustrates one structure and method for hingedlyconnecting the left side 314 of end panel 302 and the right side 334 ofthe first left panel 306. The fabric pieces for each panel 302 and 306are stitched at their edges by a stitching 384 to the respective sleeves380 a for panel 302 and 380 b for panel 306. In FIGS. 16A and 16B, loopmember 382 a represents the loop member for panel 302 and loop member382 b represents the loop member for panel 306. Each sleeve 380 a, 380 bmay be formed by folding a piece of fabric. The stitching 384 also actsas a hinge for the panels 302 and 306 to be folded upon each other, asexplained below. At the top side 320, 328 and the bottom side 316, 324of each end panel 302, 304, respectively, where there is no hingeconnection to an adjacent panel, the retaining sleeve 380 may be formedby merely folding over the corresponding fabric piece and applying astitching. The fabric piece for the corresponding end panel 302, 304 maythen be stitched to the sleeve 380.

[0085]FIG. 16B illustrates another structure and method for hingedlyconnecting the left side 314 of end panel 302 and the right side 334 ofthe first left panel 306. As in the connection of FIG. 16A, the fabricpieces are folded over at their edges at bottom sides 316 and 332, andat top sides 320 and 336, to define the respective sleeves 380. However,the retaining sleeves 380 for each panel 302, 306 converge at, or areconnected to, one sleeve portion which interconnects panels 302, 306 toform a singular retaining sleeve 386 which retains the loop members 382a and 382 b. Sleeve 386 may be formed by providing a tubular fabric, orby folding a piece of fabric, and applying a stitching 388 to its edgesto connect the sleeve 386 to the fabric pieces of the panels 302, 306.Stitching 388 acts as a hinge for the panels 302, 306. The other hingedconnections of adjacent sides may be identical to those illustrated ineither FIG. 16A or FIG. 16B.

[0086] FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate how the structure 300 can be folded andcollapsed into a smaller size. In the first step, the hinged connectionbetween the left side 314 of end panel 302 and the right side 334 of thefirst left panel 306 is pushed in (see arrow 400 in FIG. 12A) about thehinged connection so that end panel 302 collapses upon the first rightpanel 310 and the first left panel 306 is disposed generally parallel tothe second end panel 304 (see FIG. 12B). In the second step, the panels302 and 310 are then pivoted about the hinges defined by the stitch line372 and the hinged connection between the left side 314 of end panel 302and the right side 334 of the first left panel 306 (see arrow 402 inFIG. 12B) so that the panels 302 and 310 are collapsed onto the firstleft panel 306 (see FIG. 12C). At this point, the structure 300 has beenreduced to a structure that is about half the size of the originalstructure 300. In the third step, panels 304 and 312 are pushed in abouttheir hinged connection (see arrow 404 in FIG. 12D) such that end panel304 collapses upon second left panel 308 and second right panel 312collapses upon first left panel 306. Then, in the fourth step, the twocombined panels 304 and 308 are pivoted about the hinges defined by thestitch line 370 and the hinged connection between the left side 322 ofend panel 304 and the right side 358 of the second right panel 312 so asto be collapsed upon the stack of the other panels 312, 306, 302 and 310(in that order). This creates a single stack of the six panels 308, 304,312, 306, 302 and 310 (in that order). The folding and collapsing stepsillustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E can then be used to fold and collapse thisstack of panels into a size which is a fraction of the original size ofthe structure 300.

[0087] To deploy the structure 300 back to the expanded, fully deployedposition, the panels 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312 and their associatedloop members 382 are unfolded. The resiliency and spring force of theloop members 382 will cause the loop members 382, and their associatedpanels 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, to spring open to the expandedconfiguration. The different panels 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312 canthen be pivoted about their hinges to deploy the structure 300 in itsoriginal expanded configuration. The other structures described hereincan also be deployed to their respective expanded, fully deployedpositions by the resiliency and spring force of their respective loopmembers, which cause the loop members and their associated panels tospring open to the expanded configuration when the collapsed panels areunfolded.

[0088] As a result, the panels 302, 304, 306, 308, 310 and 312 areconnected to each other to define an enclosed space surrounded by fourwalls. Two of the shorter walls are defined by the end panels 302 and304, while each of the other two, longer, walls is defined by a pair ofoverlapped panels 306 and 308, or 310 and 312. Thus, the overlappedpanels 306, 308 and 310, 312 operate to extend the length of the leftand right sides of structure 300. This is advantageous over providingelongated left and right panels, since elongated panels can be difficultto grip, and to fold and collapse. By providing overlapping panels, thepanels can be folded on to each other to initially reduce the overallsize of the elongated sides, and the overlapped stack of panels can thenbe further folded and collapsed to reduce the size of the structure 300.In addition, the overlapping portions of the overlapped panels providestructural stability to the extended sides formed by these overlappedpanels. In this regard, it is also possible to provide an elongated sidethat is comprised of three or more panels, such as illustrated inconnection with FIGS. 6 and 7. Further, the lengths, sizes and shapes ofthe overlapped panels can be varied. For example, the left panels 306,308 can have different sizes, with one being longer or larger than theother.

[0089]FIG. 13 illustrates the structure 300 modified for use as acontainer (e.g., a box). A floor 410 is provided in the form of a fabricthat is stitched or otherwise connected to the bottom sides 316, 324,332, 340, 348 and 356 of the panels 302, 304, 306, 308, 310 and 312,respectively. In addition, a first lid 412 and a second lid 414 areprovided. Each lid 412 and 414 can take the form of a panel having astructure that is the same as the end panels 302 and 304. One side 416and 418 of the lids 412, 414 is hingedly attached (using one of thestructures and methods illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B) to the topsides 352 and 360 of the right panels 310 and 312, respectively. Eachlid 412, 414 is preferably sized and configured to cover the top of thespace between opposing right and left panels. In addition, latching,attachment or locking mechanisms can be provided to secure the lids 412,414 against the top sides 336, 344 of the left panels 306, 308,respectively. Thus, the enclosed space can be used to hold or store anydesired object(s). To fold and collapse the structure 300 in FIG. 13,the lids 412 and 414 are additionally folded over their hingedconnections with the right panels 310 and 312, respectively, to create astack of eight panels that is folded and collapsed according to themethod described above in connection with FIGS. 12A-12D and 5A-5E.

[0090] The principles of the structure 300 can be further utilized toprovide collapsible structures for a wide variety of applications. Onesuch example is illustrated by the shade structure 430 of FIG. 14, whichis similar to the structure 300, and has a first end panel 432, a secondend panel 434 opposite to the first end panel 432, first and second leftpanels 436 and 438, and first and second right panels 440 and 442. Thepanels 432, 434, 436, 438, 440 and 442 may be provided in slightlydifferent shapes and sizes when compared to the corresponding panels302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312 in structure 300, but these panels 432,434, 436, 438, 440 and 442 are otherwise structured and connected in thesame manner as the panels 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, respectively, instructure 300. In this regard, the first and second left panels 436 and438 are connected in an overlapping manner, and the first and secondright panels 440 and 442 are also connected in an overlapping manner. Inaddition, the end panels 432 and 434 are hingedly connected to theiradjacent left and right panels 436, 438, 440 and 442.

[0091] The shade structure 430 additionally includes a raised roof 444which is made from a fabric material connected to the top sides of thepanels 432, 434, 436, 438, 440 and 442. Since the left side 446 of thefirst left panel 436 and the right side 448 of the second left panel 438are longer than the right side 450 of the first left panel 436 and theleft side 452 of the second left panel 438, the center of the structure300 is higher so that the roof 444 becomes raised as it extends from theend panels 432, 434 towards the center of the structure 300. An opening454 can be provided in one or both end panels 432, 434 to provideingress and egress to the interior of the shade structure 300. Anoptional floor 456, which can be made from a fabric material, can alsobe connected to the bottom sides of the panels 432, 434, 436, 438, 440and 442.

[0092]FIG. 14A illustrates a modification to the structure 430, in whichall of the adjacent sides of all the panels 432 a, 434 a, 436 a, 438 a,440 a and 442 a are connected in an overlapping manner. The elements ofthe structure 430 a that are the same as the elements of the structure430 are provided with the same numeral designations except that an “a”has been added to the numeral designations in FIG. 14A. Thus, the endpanels 432 a and 434 a are not hingedly connected to their adjacent leftand right panels 436 a, 438 a, 440 a and 442 a, but are insteadconnected in an overlapping manner.

[0093]FIG. 14B illustrates a modification to the structure 430 a, inwhich the roof 444 a has been removed, and the end panels 432 b and 434b provided with a different shape having a higher top edge and receivinga netting 433 in the form of a basket on the inner sides of the endpanels 432 b, 434 b. The elements of the structure 430 b that are thesame as the elements of the structure 430 a are provided with the samenumeral designations except that a “b” has been added to the numeraldesignations in FIG. 14B. Thus, the structure 430 b has been convertedinto an enclosed basketball court. A large door 435 can be provided in(e.g., cut from) the fabric of one of the side panels (e.g., 438 b) toallow ingress and egress to and from the basketball court.

[0094]FIG. 14C illustrates a modification to the structure 430 b thatcombines the principles of structures 430 and 430 b. The elements of thestructure 430 c that are the same as the elements of the structure 430 bare provided with the same numeral designations except that a “c” hasbeen added to the numeral designations in FIG. 14C. Thus, the structure430 c is still an enclosed basketball court, as for structure 430 b, butthe end panels 432 c and 434 c are now hingedly connected to theiradjacent left and right panels 436 c, 438 c, 440 c and 442 c. Inaddition, nettings 437 in the form of soccer or hockey goals can also beprovided at both end panels 432 c, 434 c so that the structure 430 c canalso be used as an enclosed soccer or hockey arena. These nettings 437can be made out of a meshed netting-type material that extend outwardlythrough openings 439 cut at the bottom of the end panels 432 c, 434 c.

[0095] The structures 430, 430 a, 430 b and 430 c can be folded andcollapsed, as well as re-deployed to the fully expanded configuration,according to the same methods utilized for the structure 300 describedabove.

[0096] As an additional example of how the principles of the structure300 can be further utilized to provide collapsible structures for a widevariety of applications, FIG. 15 illustrates a collapsible arcade-likeor amusement structure 500 which is similar to those described in thepresent inventor's U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,446. However, the structure 500provides two elongated side walls which are made up of two overlappingpanels. In particular, the structure 500 is similar to the structure300, and has a front panel 502, a rear panel 504, first and second leftpanels 506 and 508, and first and second right panels 510 and 512. Thepanels 502, 504, 506, 508, 510 and 512 may be provided in slightlydifferent shapes and sizes when compared to the corresponding panels302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312 in structure 300, but these panels 502,504, 506, 508, 510 and 512 are otherwise structured and connected in thesame manner as the panels 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, respectively, instructure 300. In this regard, the first and second left panels 506 and508 are connected in an overlapping manner, and the first and secondright panels 510 and 512 are also connected in an overlapping manner. Inaddition, the front and rear panels 502 and 504 are hingedly connectedto their adjacent left and right panels 506, 508, 510 and 512.

[0097] In addition, the left and right panels 506, 508, 510 and 512 areconfigured so that they slope or angle upwardly from the front panel 502towards the rear panel 504, so that the right side 516 of the first leftpanel 506 has a smaller vertical height than the left side 518 of thesecond left panel 508. The rear panel 504 is significantly higher thanthe other panels 502, 506, 508, 510, 512, and forms a backboard for abasket 520. The shade structure 500 additionally includes a top fabric522 which is connected adjacent to, but offset from and below, the topsides of the panels 502, 504, 506, 508, 510 and 512, so that it alsoslopes upwardly from the front panel 502 towards the rear panel 504. Anoptional floor 524, which can be made from a fabric material, can alsobe connected to the bottom sides of the panels 502, 504, 506, 508, 510and 512

[0098] The structure 500 can be folded and collapsed, as well asre-deployed to the fully expanded configuration, according to the samemethods utilized for the structure 300 described above.

[0099] In using the amusement structure 500, the user may toss a ball(not shown) at the basket 520. All balls passing through the basket, orbounced off the backboard (i.e., the rear panel 504), will be returnedto the user at the front panel 502 because the sloping or angled natureof the top fabric 522 will cause the ball to roll towards the frontpanel 502. Since the top fabric 522 is offset from and below the topsides of the panels 502, 504, 506, 508, 510 and 512, the ball will beretained on top of the top fabric 522, but inside the confines of thepanels 502, 504, 506, 508, 510 and 512. Additional modifications andamusement features that can be used for the amusement structure 500 areillustrated and described in the present inventor's U.S. Pat. No.5,722,446, whose entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by thisreference as though fully set forth herein.

[0100] The principles of the present invention can further be applied toa variety of amusement structures. FIG. 17 illustrates a structure 600that has a first panel 610 and a second panel 612, each defined by aseparate loop member 602, 604, respectively, and having the sameconstruction as panels 52 and 54 and loop members 22 and 24 describedabove. Panels 610 and 612 are interconnected at overlapping points 606,608 and stitch line 614 by overlapping their respective loop members602, 604 in the manner described above.

[0101] The structure 600 further includes a left supporting fabric piece616 that is connected, such as by stitching, to most of the left side ofthe first panel 610 and the upper left side of the second panel 612, anda right supporting fabric piece 618 that is connected, such as bystitching, to most of the right side of the first panel 610 and theupper right side of the second panel 612. The fabric pieces 616 and 618define the limits to which the two panels 610, 612 can be pivoted awayfrom each other (i.e., pivoted away in the directions of arrows 620,622). An opening 624 is provided in the second panel 612 adjacent thestitch line 614. A pocket 626 is stitched or otherwise provided at thelower end of first panel 610. The pocket 626 can be made of a mesh orfabric material, and is adapted to receive a ball 628 that has passedthrough the opening 624. Specifically, a ball 628 that is tossed at thefirst panel 610 (e.g., at the “bulls-eye” 630) will hit the first panel610 and roll down the first panel 610 since the first panel 610 isangled. If the ball 628 rolls through the opening 624, it will continueto roll down the first panel 610 and be collected in the pocket 626.Otherwise, the ball 628 will be collected between the panels 610, 612 atthe stitch line 614.

[0102]FIG. 18 illustrates another amusement structure 700 that utilizesthe principles of the present invention. The structure 700 has a firstpanel 710 and a second panel 712, each defined by a separate loop member702, 704, respectively, and having the same construction as panels 52and 54 and loop members 22 and 24 described above. Panels 710 and 712are interconnected at overlapping points 706, 708 and stitch line 714 byoverlapping their respective loop members 702, 704 in the mannerdescribed above.

[0103] The structure 700 further includes a first end fabric piece 716that is connected, such as by stitching, to most of the left sides ofthe first panel 710 and the second panel 712, and a second end fabricpiece 718 that is connected, such as by stitching, to most of the rightsides of the first panel 710 and the second panel 712. Each end fabricpiece 716, 718 extends or spans across the space defined by theextremities of the left and right sides of the panels 710, 712 when thestructure 700 is in the fully deployed position with the panels 710, 712fully expanded and pivoted about the overlapping points 706, 708. Eachend fabric piece 716, 718 can be provided in a one piece, or in fourseparate pieces. For example, the end fabric piece 716 can be made up offour separate pieces 716 a, 716 b, 716 c and 716 d. The piece 716 aextends between the two panels 710, 712 below the overlapping point 706.The piece 716 c extends between the two panels 710, 712 above theoverlapping point 706. Pieces 716 b and 716 d extend along oppositeexteriors of the left sides of the panels 710, 712. The fabric pieces716 and 718 define the limits to which the two panels 710, 712 can bepivoted away from each other (i.e., pivoted away in the directions ofarrows 720, 722).

[0104] In the structure 700, the overlapping points 706 and 708 are notsituated at the center of the left and right sides of the loop members702, 704. Instead, these overlapping points 706 and 708 are situatedbetween the center and the top of the left and right sides of the loopmembers 702, 704 so as to provide the structure 700 with a wider baseand a narrower top.

[0105] As a result, the panels 710, 712 and the fabric pieces 716 and718 define both an interior space below the stitch line 714, and a topreceiving well 726 above the stitch line 714. An opening 724 can beprovided in one or both end fabric pieces 716, 718 to allow ingress andegress to the interior of the structure 700. An optional floor 730,which can be made of fabric, can be stitched or otherwise connected tothe bottom sides of the panels 710, 712. In addition, the receiving well726 can be adapted to receive light objects 728 that can be tossed atthe receiving well 726. Thus, the structure 700 actually providesseveral play opportunities: the structure 700 can be used as a shadestructure, or as an amusement structure 700 with the user tossing lightobjects 728 into the receiving well 726.

[0106]FIG. 19 illustrates an amusement structure 700 a that utilizes thebasic principles embodied by the structure 700 in FIG. 18, but whichincludes certain modifications. The elements of the structure 700 a thatare the same as the elements of the structure 700 are provided with thesame numeral designations except that an “a” has been added to thenumeral designations in FIG. 19. The structure 700 a includes a firstpanel 710 a and a second panel 712 a, each defined by a separate loopmember 702 a, 704 a, respectively, that are configured and overlapped inthe same manner as the panels 710, 712 and loop members 702, 704 ofstructure 700. The difference between the structures 700 and 700 a isthat the end fabric pieces 716 and 718 in structure 700 are not providedin structure 700 a. Instead, a first upper fabric piece 717 a isprovided and extends between the two panels 710 a, 712 a above theoverlapping point 706 a, and a second upper fabric piece 717 b isprovided and extends between the two panels 710 a, 712 a above theoverlapping point 708 a. Each upper fabric piece 717 a, 717 b is similarto the fabric piece 716 c in structure 700, and functions to define thelimits to which the panels 702 a, 704 a can be pivoted away from eachother. In other words, the upper fabric pieces 717 a, 717 b prevent thepanels 702 a, 704 a from spreading outwardly so that the structure 700 acan be supported in an upright configuration on a floor or othersurface. Optional lower fabric pieces 719 a and 719 b (not shown) canalso be provided to extend for a short distance between the two panels710 a, 712 a below the overlapping points 706 a and 708 a, respectively,to accomplish the same function. As an alternative, the upper fabricpieces 717 a and 717 b can be omitted in lieu of the lower fabric pieces719 a and 719 b. As yet another alternative, instead of the upper andlower fabric pieces 717 a, 717 b, 719 a, 719 b, strings or straps (notshown) can be provided to connect the panels 710 a, 712 a, eitherslightly above and/or below the overlapping points 706 a, 708 a, orbetween the bottom edges 721 and 723 of the panels 710 a and 712 a,respectively, to accomplish the same function.

[0107] When the structure 700 a is supported in its upstanding fullydeployed configuration with both panels 710 a, 712 a in their fullyexpanded configuration, the bottom edges 721 and 723 of the panels 710 aand 712 a, respectively, contact the ground or surface. One or aplurality of openings 725 are provided in one or both panels 710 a, 712a so that a user can toss a ball or other object through a selected oneof these openings 725. The ball or object that passes through an opening725 will be deposited in the space between the panels 710 a, 710 b, fromwhich the user can then retrieve the ball or object. The panels 710 a,712 a and the upper fabric pieces 717 a and 717 b define a top receivingwell 726 a above the stitch line 714 a.

[0108] Thus, while structure 700 is primarily a shade structure, thestructure 700 a provides a different type of amusement by allowing theuser to toss objects through the openings 725. The structure 700 a canalso be used as a shade structure by a user who positions himself orherself in the enclosed space under the overlapping panels 710 a, 710 b.

[0109] The structures 600, 700 and 700 a can be folded and collapsed, aswell as re-deployed to the fully expanded configuration, according tothe same methods utilized for the structure 20 described above. Thefabric pieces 616, 618, 716, 718 and the pocket 626 are made from aflexible material that will fold and collapse together with the fabricof the panels 610, 612, 710, 712, 710 a, 712 a.

[0110] It is also possible to provide some of the connections of theadjacent sides of side panels with hinged connections and others withoverlapping connections to vary the structural stability and strength ofthe structure at different parts of the structure. Referring to FIGS. 20and 21, the structure 750 utilizes principles from the structuresillustrated in FIGS. 11A and 14. Structure 750 is similar to structure202 b of FIG. 11A in that structure 750 has four side panels 752, 754,756 and 758, but of the four connections between adjacent sides of sidepanels, two are hinged connections and two are overlapping.Specifically, the right side 760 of panel 752 is connected inoverlapping manner to the left side 762 of panel 754, the right side 764of panel 754 is connected in overlapping manner to the left side 766 ofpanel 756, the right side 768 of panel 756 is hingedly connected to theleft side 770 of panel 758, and the right side 772 of panel 758 ishingedly connected to the left side 774 of panel 752. A roof fabric 776may be attached to the top sides of the panels 752, 754, 756, 758.

[0111] Thus, the two overlapping connections between the sides 760 and762, and sides 764 and 766, provides stronger structural support andstability to the structure 750 on both sides 762, 764 of the panel 754,since the overlapping connections tend to provide stronger support andstability than the hinged connections, as explained hereinabove. Theprovision of a combination of hinged and overlapping connections allowsa larger structure to be provided, since a large structure supportedentirely by hinged connections may not be structurally strong and stablefor certain applications. On the other hand, hinged connections are lesscomplex and less expensive to make, so it is desirable to provide hingedconnections at certain side connections of structures in someapplications where it is not necessary for all the connections to beoverlapped. The result is that the present invention provides principleswhich can be utilized to provide structures that can be sized andconfigured to meet a wide variety of applications and needs. In thisregard, although FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate a particular arrangement forthe hinged connections and overlapping connections, these hingedconnections and overlapping connections can be provided and arrangedbetween the adjacent sides of any of the panels 752, 754, 756, 758.

[0112]FIG. 22 illustrates another structure 140 c that is similar tostructure 140 of FIG. 8, except that portions of the fabric materialsfor the panels 142, 144, 146 and 148 have been omitted from panels 142c, 144 c, 146 c and 148 c in FIG. 11A, and a separate outer piece ofenclosing fabric 141 is provided. The elements of the structure 140 cthat are the same as the elements of the structure 140 are provided withthe same numeral designations except that a “c” has been added to thenumeral designations in FIG. 22. The panels 142 c, 144 c, 146 c and 148c of structure 140 c are configured in the same manner as panels 142,144, 146 and 148 of structure 140, except that the openings 196 instructure 140 have been enlarged so that only small fabric corner pieces161 remain at the corners of the top sides of the panels 142 c, 144 c,146 c and 148 c and the respective overlapping points 150 c, 156 c, 162c and 168 c adjacent the stitch lines 154 c, 160 c, 166 c and 172 c.Thus, the fabric in the panels 142 c, 144 c, 146 c, 148 c between thestitch lines 154 c, 160 c, 166 c, 172 c has been removed, except for thecorner pieces 161 that are provided to support the overlappingconnections together. The fabric in the panels 142 c, 144 c, 146 c, 148c between the outer sides of the panels and the stitch lines 154 c, 160c, 166 c, 172 c still remain, as indicated, for example, by the fabric163 between the outer side 165 of panel 144 c and stitch line 154 c. Thecorner pieces 161 are optional, and can be triangular, as shown in FIG.22, and can assume any other shape as desired, and can even be a strapor string.

[0113] A separate outer piece of enclosing fabric 141 extends around theperiphery of the structure 140 c, and in particular, around the outersides (such as 165) of all the overlapped panels 142 c, 144 c, 146 c,148 c. The fabric 141 can be attached (e.g., by stitching) to the outersides of the panels 142 c, 144 c, 146 c, 148 c. Although the fabric 141is illustrated in FIG. 22 as only extending along a middle section ofthe height of the panels 142 c, 144 c, 146 c, 148 c, it is possible forthe fabric 141 to completely cover the panels 142 c, 144 c, 146 c, 148c, as well as the top of the structure 140 c.

[0114] Thus, the structure 140 c provides an interior space that isgreater than the interior space provided by structure 140 of FIG. 8. Byessentially removing the fabric in the panels 142 c, 144 c, 146 c, 148 cbetween the stitch lines 154 c, 160 c, 166 c, 172 c, and providing anenclosing fabric 141, the interior space of the structure 140 c isexpanded to include the outer space defined by the fabric in the panels142 c, 144 c, 146 c, 148 c between the outer sides (such as 165) of thepanels and the stitch lines 154 c, 160 c, 166 c, 172 c. Structure 140 calso provides an additional benefit in that the overlapping connectionsprovide increased stability and support while not decreasing interiorspace. This can be contrasted to the situation if the structure 140 wereto have its panels hingedly connected to each other. The hingedconnections would result in greater interior space (when compared tostructure 140 of FIG. 8), but may sacrifice some stability if the sizeof the structure is large. The structure 140 c is particularlywell-suited for use as a large camping tent, and a partition for use attrade shows, among other uses.

[0115] As an alternative, the enclosing fabric 141 can extend aroundsome but not all of the panels 142 c, 144 c, 146 c, 148 c, therebyproviding a walled enclosure at some regions of the structure 140 c andan opened area at the other regions of the structure 140 c.

[0116] The structure 140 c can be folded and collapsed, as well asre-deployed to the fully expanded configuration, according to the samemethods utilized for the structure 140 described above. The enclosingfabric 141 can be tucked between the panels 142 c, 144 c, 146 c, 148 cduring the folding and collapsing steps, and folded and collapsedtogether.

[0117] FIGS. 23A-23C illustrate an amusement structure 600 a that issimilar to the structure 600 of FIG. 17. The elements of the structure600 that are the same as the elements of the structure 600 a areprovided with the same numeral designations except that an “a” has beenadded to the numeral designations in FIGS. 23A-23C. The structure 600 aalso has the two overlapping panels 610 a and 612 a that are essentiallythe same in orientation and construction as the panels 610 and 612,respectively. The first panel 610 a and the second panel 612 a are eachdefined by a separate loop member 602 a, 604 a, respectively, and areinterconnected at overlapping points 606 a, 608 a and stitch line 614 aby overlapping their respective loop members 602 a, 604 a in the mannerdescribed above, so that each panel 610 a, 612 a is angled with respectto each other. On the other hand, the supporting fabric pieces 616 and618, and the pocket 626, are not provided in the structure 600 a. Theopening 624 a can be curved, and can be provided in the second panel 612a adjacent the stitch line 614 a.

[0118] Instead of the supporting fabric pieces 616 and 618, thestructure 600 a provides a rear support panel 638 that is coupled to thepanels 610 a, 612 a. The rear support panel 638 can be constructed inthe same manner as any of the other singular panels (such as panel 302)described herein. The lower edge 640 of the rear support panel 638 canbe either removably attached (e.g., using removable attachmentmechanisms such as hooks, loops, fasteners, Velcro™ pads) or hingedlyattached (using one of the structures and methods illustrated in FIGS.16A and 16B) to the lower edge 642 of the panel 612 a, and the upperedge 644 of the panel 610 a can be removably attached (e.g., usingremovable attachment mechanisms such as hooks, loops, fasteners, Velcro™pads) to the fabric 646 of the rear support panel 638 at apre-determined desired vertical level. The vertical position of theattachment of the upper edge 644 to the fabric 646 can be adjusted todefine the limits to which the two panels 610 a, 612 a can be pivotedaway from each other (i.e., pivoted away in the directions of arrows 620a, 622 a). For example, positioning the upper edge 644 at a highervertical level means that the lower edges 642 and 650 of the panels 612a and 610 a, respectively, are spaced closer together, while positioningthe upper edge 644 at a lower vertical level means that the lower edges642 and 650 of the panels 612 a and 610 a, respectively, are spacedfurther apart from each other.

[0119] A basket or hoop 654 is suspended from the side of the fabric 646that faces the panels 610 a, 612 a. In use, a ball 628 a can be tossedat the basket 654. The ball 628 a will either go through the basket 654,or hit the panel 610 a, and then roll down the panel 610 a since thepanel 610 a is angled. If the ball 628 rolls through the opening 624, itwill continue to roll down the panel 610 a and pass through the opening624 a to the ground.

[0120] The structure 600 a can be collapsed in the following manner.First, as shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the lower edge 650 of the panel610 a and the rear support panel 638 are pushed towards each other asshown by the arrows 666 and 668. This pushing action is facilitated bythe pivoting of the panels 610 a, 612 a along the stitch line 614 a, andwill cause the three panels 610 a, 612 a, 638 to overlie each other toform one stack of panels as shown in FIG. 23C. The folding andcollapsing steps illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E can be used to fold andcollapse the structure 600 a into a size which is a fraction of theoriginal size of the structure.

[0121]FIG. 24 illustrates the application of the principles of thepresent invention to providing three overlapping or crossing loopmembers. The basic structure 800 in FIG. 24 has two basic crossing loops802 and 804 that define two panels 810 and 812, respectively, in exactlythe same manner that the loop members 602 and 604 define the two panels610 and 612, respectively, in FIG. 17. In addition, the structure 800provides a third loop member 806 that defines a third panel 814. Thethree loop members 802, 804, 806 overlap each other, and theirrespective fabrics 818, 820 and 822 are attached, using the sametechniques described in connection with FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B, 2C and 3, withthe same principles applied to three loop members and three panelsinstead of two loop members and two panels. The three loop members 802,804, 806 overlap at two opposing overlapping points 826 and 828 that arepositioned along opposing sides of each of the panels 810, 812, 814. Theposition of the overlapping points 826 and 828 can be anywhere along thesides of the panels 810, 812, 814.

[0122] The structure 800 can be collapsed by pushing all the panels 810,812, 814 towards each other (see arrows 830 and 832) to form one stackof three panels 810, 812, 814. This pushing action is facilitated by thepivoting of the panels 810, 812, 814 along the stitch line 834, and willcause the three panels 810, 812, 814 to overlie each other to form onestack of panels. The folding and collapsing steps illustrated in FIGS.5A-5E can be used to fold and collapse the structure 800 into a sizewhich is a fraction of the original size of the structure.

[0123] As illustrated in the non-limiting embodiments and examplesabove, the principles of the present invention can be applied to a largevariety of objects, including but not limited to sunshields, partitions,shade structures (which include tents), containers, sports structures,game structures and amusement structures. These structures can also beused as play structures (partitions, tents, shade structures, amusementgames, etc.) for children and infants. When used for partitions, shadestructures and containers, the fabric is preferably made from strong,lightweight materials and may include woven fabrics, sheet fabrics oreven films. The fabric should be water-resistant and durable towithstand the wear and tear associated with rough treatment by children.The loop members can be made from the same materials described above forloop members 22 and 24.

[0124] While the description above refers to particular embodiments ofthe present invention, it will be understood that many modifications maybe made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanyingclaims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within thetrue scope and spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A structure comprising: (a) a first panel and asecond panel, each of the panels having: a flexible loop member defininga closed loop and having a first edge, a second edge and a bottom edge,the loop member adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsedposition; and a fabric that covers a portion of the loop member; (b)wherein the loop members of the first and second panels overlap eachother at a first overlapping point along the first edges of the loopmembers of the first and second panels, and at a second overlappingpoint along the second edges of the loop members of the first and secondpanels, the fabric of the first panel crossing the fabric of the secondpanel, and the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion aboutwhich the first and second loop members of the first and second panelsare pivotable; and (c) wherein the bottom side of each panel contact asupport surface when the loop members are in the expanded position. 2.The structure of claim 1, wherein the second panel is positioned at anangle with respect to the first panel.
 3. The structure of claim 1,wherein the loop members are foldable on top of each other about theirrespective hinge portions to have the loop members overlaying eachother, and wherein the overlaying loop members are collapsible to thecollapsed positions by twisting and folding to form a plurality ofconcentric rings to substantially reduce the size of the structure inthe collapsed position.
 4. The structure of claim 1, wherein the hingeportion is positioned generally horizontally with respect to the supportsurface.
 5. The structure of claim 1, wherein the hinge portion furtherincludes a stitch line connecting the fabric of the two panels andextending from about the first overlapping point to about the secondoverlapping point.
 6. The structure of claim 5, further including anopening provided in the second panel adjacent the stitch line.
 7. Thestructure of claim 1, wherein each panel further includes a loopretaining portion provided along the fabric for retaining the respectiveloop member.
 8. The structure of claim 1, further including a supportpiece coupled to the panels to define the limits to which the panels canpivot about the hinge portion.
 9. The structure of claim 8, wherein thesupport piece is coupled to the first edges of the panels.
 10. Thestructure of claim 8, wherein the support piece is a fabric piece. 11.The structure of claim 9, further including a second support piececoupled to the second edges of the panels.
 12. The structure of claim 1,wherein the hinge portion defines an upper space between the panels anda lower space between the panels.
 13. The structure of claim 12, whereinthe lower space defines an enclosed space.
 14. The structure of claim 1,further including a third panel having: a flexible loop member defininga closed loop and having a bottom edge, the loop member of the thirdpanel adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position;and a fabric that covers portions of the loop member of the third panel;and wherein the bottom edge of the loop member of the third panel iscoupled to the bottom edge of the loop member of the first panel. 15.The structure of claim 14, wherein the second panel has a top edge thatis coupled to the fabric of the third panel.
 16. The structure of claim15, further including a basket provided on the fabric of the thirdpanel.
 17. The structure of claim 15, wherein the top edge of the secondpanel is removably coupled to the fabric of the third panel.
 18. Thestructure of claim 14, wherein the bottom edge of the third panelcontacts the support surface when the loop members of the panels are inthe expanded position.
 19. A structure comprising: (a) a first panel, asecond panel and a third panel, each of the panels having: a flexibleloop member defining a closed loop and having a first edge and a secondedge, the loop member adapted to assume an expanded position and acollapsed position; and (b) wherein the loop members of the first,second and third panels overlap each other at a first overlapping pointalong the first edges of the loop members of the first, second and thirdpanels, and at a second overlapping point along the second edges of theloop members of the first, second and third panels, the overlapping loopmembers defining a hinge portion about which the loop members of thefirst, second and third panels are pivotable.
 20. The structure of claim19, wherein each panel includes a fabric that covers a portion of theloop member, and wherein the fabric of each panel crosses the fabric ofthe other panels.
 21. The structure of claim 19, wherein each panel ispositioned at an angle with respect to the other panels.
 22. Thestructure of claim 19, wherein the loop members are foldable on top ofeach other about their respective hinge portions to have the loopmembers overlaying each other, and wherein the overlaying loop membersare collapsible to the collapsed positions by twisting and folding toform a plurality of concentric rings to substantially reduce the size ofthe structure in the collapsed position.
 23. The structure of claim 19,wherein the hinge portion further includes a stitch line connecting thefabric of the two panels and extending from about the first overlappingpoint to about the second overlapping point.